Downingtown East to get turf fields

EAST CALN — The Downingtown Area School Board unanimously approved Wednesday two turf fields at Downingtown East High School.

The synthetic turf field with a stadium-like sports facility is expected to be completed by mid-August of 2015. The decision was accepted with applause from a standing-room only crowd.

School board president Jane Bertone said it was a hard decision for the board because of the cost.

The anticipated vote came after months of public comment from students and parents that favored the turf.

Advertisement

Comments ranged from school pride of having their own athletic fields, reduced traveling time and costs, and to practicing on the same type of field that is used during athletic events and games.

The public comment again consisted of people asking the board to approve of the turf project.

Currently, East students travel from their school in Uwchlan to Downingtown West High School, in Downingtown, to practice on the turf fields.

Prior to the vote, school board member Colleen Cranney provided the crowded board room with her insight.

“I know I’ve been questioning this item. I’ve been struggling with it. Not because I don’t totally understand what you guys want,” Cranney said. “I understand the difficulties of sharing the turf down at West. I get that. But it was a huge price.”

The two turf fields collectively are estimated cost of $2.4 million. The board will vote at a later date for the payment.

Cranney said that board members represent people who will not have a chance to use the turf fields.

“I also represent people who will never step foot on the turf,” Cranney said. “A lot of them, in fact, majority of our taxpayers, who won’t step foot on the turf.”

She added that she wanted to hear the capital projects report, completed by district consultants, the Stone House Group. The report focused on capital repairs at the district’s schools and administration building.

Bertone echoed Cranny’s concerns.

“What made this so difficult was that we asked for the Stone House report and it came out asking for $58 million worth of repairs. It’s a bit overwhelming when you’re looking at $58 million report and then you have $2.4 million for turf,” Bertone said. “But I don’t think there’s anybody on this board that doesn’t understand the seriousness or want to do what’s right for our students.”

The board members and district officials previously discussed how they could rent the fields when they are not in use for school-related activities. On Wednesday, Cranny said she favors that idea to create revenue.

School board are also awaiting a report on the amount of impervious, or paved, surface will be permitted by Uwchlan Township, where the school is located.

James Lill, director of facilities, said that according to the information he received, he said they have about half of an acre that can be paved.

School board member Bob Yorczyk compared the turf field to a basketball court. He said the concept of having turf fields in earlier years was a luxury, but over time it is almost normal.

“The turf has become basically like the basketball court, compared to the practicing in the parking lot,” Yorczyk said. “I think, really, that’s what we have to do.”

East high school Principal Paul Hurley said the turf fields will allow the students to have athletic training despite poor weather conditions. It will also help with their school pride, he said, to have their home field at home.

“I know it was a really hard decision for the board,” Hurley said. “The Downingtown East community is absolutely thrilled with the board’s decision.”

Hurley said that when the school has its own turf fields, it will “dramatically reduced” travel time, allowing students to have more time to complete homework and spend time with their families.

The board members vote gave permission to start the bid process and plan for the turf fields.